When Self-Esteem Keeps us From Wisdom . . . Proverbs 30:2-3

Surely I am more stupid than any man, And I do not have the understanding of a man. 3 Neither have I learned wisdom, Nor do I have the knowledge of the Holy One. Proverbs 30:2-3

I know that at first reading this sounds like the Proverb of the one lacking self-esteem.  But if this is your thinking, it is simply because you are too much a child of this age and the deception of its culture.  Although we may not see it like we should, this is actually a man who is about to move from foolishness to wisdom in short order.  As a result we have much we can learn from him.

He speaks with serious lament in his voice.  "Surely I am more stupid than any man, and I do not have the understanding of a man."  His lament is for wisdom - for he sees such a strong need of it in his life.  The vast majority in this world do not have such a lament.  If anything, their mindset is that they have pleanty of knowledge and understanding.  They do not feel stupid!  They are brimming with the confidence that they are worthwhile and that they usually get stars and high grades on all their papers.  They've gotten the token trophies that everyone gets - regardless of their performance or achievements.  Stupid!  Lacking understanding!  How could anyone be so filled with a lack of self-esteem!  Who educated this poor soul to where he would think he lacked anything?

There is the crux of the problem with our educational system.  We are so concerned about the effect of actually correcting the children of this generation (for fear of harming their poor self-esteem) that we will not do what is necessary to help them see their need.  They have a socialistic system that promises them government money from cradle to grave - whether they work or not!  They have a government that guarantees a world without problems - at least ones that the government promises to fix.  They have a promise that no one will be considered more successful or more intelligent than them (at least not without serious punishment for it).  Thus seeing themselves stupid, lacking in understanding, even in need - well those ideas are out of style in our socialistic utopia. 

This man is on the verge of great wisdom because he knows the great truth.  That truth is that he needs wisdom.  He needs education.  He needs understanding that can only come from God Himself.  What he needs is God - and the wisdom that comes from intimacy with God in sweet fellowship with Him.  He begins with the statement that he is stupid - more stupid than any man.  Rather than have him brimming with self-centered, self-induced, and self-glorifying pride, this man has learned the truth.  He is a sinner - and as a sinner he is cut off from the all-wise God.  Thus he makes foolish and stupid decisions.  He does so because He lacks understanding - lacks wisdom - but most of all, lacks knowledge of the Holy One. 

Our problem is not our environment!  Educationally . . . our problem is our sin.  We are not wise - because we reject God's wisdom.  We are lacking in understanding because we will not listen to our Father in heaven Who longs to give it to us.  We lack wisdom because we refuse to see things God's way.  We lack all across the board because we do not know the Holy One of Israel!  This world was made by God . . . for God.  It is beset with all his working - and works best when His wisdom is applied to daily living.  Without Him - we are stupid - and will continue unabated in that stupidity until His mercy lays hold of us and we understand His grace. 

The man who is the closest to receiving God's wisdom, understanding, and knowledge . . . is the man who embraces humility.  God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.  The fact is until we come to the place this wise man reached - we are not candidates for God to work mightily in our lives.  When we do come to the place where we humble ourselves and trust Him - we will lack.  But to the man who embraces humility - to the man who grasps and deals with the fact that he is not a genius - to that man goes the marvelous gift of God's grace, mercy . . . and the joy of knowing Him . . . which is wisdom indeed!